Food Insecurity amid COVID-19 Lockdowns: Assessing Sociodemographic Indicators of Vulnerability in Harar and Kersa, Ethiopia (original) (raw)

ABSTRACTObjectiveThe COVID-19 pandemic was associated with widespread social disruptions, as governments implemented lockdowns to quell disease spread. To advance knowledge of consequences for households in lower-income countries, we examine food insecurity during the pandemic period.DesignCross-sectional study using logistic regression to examine factors associated with food insecurity. Data were collected between August and September of 2021 through a Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) using a survey instrument focused on knowledge regarding the spread of COVID-19; food availability; COVID-19 related shocks/coping; under-five child healthcare services; and healthcare services for pregnant women.SettingThe study is set in two communities in Eastern Ethiopia, one rural and one urban.ParticipantsA random sample of 880 households residing in Kersa and Harar.ResultsRoughly 16% of households reported not having enough food to eat during the pandemic, an increase of 6% sin...